The Leading Edge: Achieving the Dream
Think back to the last time you awoke with a start from a deep sleep because of a dream you were having. Was it a good dream or a bad dream? Did it give you a glimpse of the future? What did you do about that dream? Did you take action, or did you just let it languish in dreamland?
My great mentor and friend, John Maxwell, defines a dream as an inspiring picture of the future that energizes your mind, will, and emotions, empowering you to do everything you can to achieve it. In other words, your dreams lay the foundation for the outcome you desire.
When I first read this definition in his book Put Your Dream to the Test, I was blown away, because my dreams have always been about how I saw the world if I were in charge. It was a world where everyone treated each other with respect, displayed compassion and subscribed to outstanding ethos.
As my journey into his book continued, I came across the question of how my dreams can benefit others, and that is when it hit me – my experiences with child abuse, bad relationships, parenting faux pas, obesity, horrible leadership (to include my own poor leadership style post-personal development) and anything else that has shaped me to be who I am would, in fact, benefit others.
For, you see, I am a dreamer who was willing to pay the price to stand up for what was right. As a result, I lost my job and found myself looking at my dreams and realizing that I was in a unique position to shape a better world–a world where compassion, integrity and respect reign. A world where people are not bullied in the workplace, where children are taught they are important and will be great future leaders. A world where everyone’s dreams can and do come true.
Attending the February IMC allowed me to find clarity and confirmation that my lifelong dream of helping people find their voice was going to be a reality. Many people have faced some of the same challenges (if not worse) that I have faced – the worst challenge was workplace bullying.
Turns out, there are millions of people that suffer atrocious treatment in the workplace by colleagues, managers, supervisors and leaders. This treatment can be as simple as having unrealistic deadlines imposed, gossiping and isolation. This treatment is allowed to grow due to a lack of belief in one’s ability to speak out for themselves. This is a direct result of fearing the loss of a steady paycheck, health insurance and retirement savings. It is easier to do the mundane than to take that leap of faith.
I challenge you to look at your dreams from a different lens and ask yourself the following questions:
- Is my dream really my dream?
- Do I clearly see my dream?
- Am I depending on factors within my control to achieve my dream?
- Does my dream compel me to follow it?
- Do I have a strategy to reach my dream?
- Have I included the people I need to realize my dream?
- Am I willing to pay the price for my dream?
- Am I moving closer to my dream?
- Does working toward my dream bring satisfaction?
- Does my dream benefit others?
I can now answer YES to each and every one of the questions John asks in his book because I know there are so many people who are paralyzed (much like in their nightmares) to speak out against atrocities. It is easier to sit in silence and let others squirm, crumble and be bullied/abused than it is to speak out for justice.
My newfound dream is to embolden people to overcome their fear of speaking up for themselves or others. For the first time in my life, I have been emboldened to speak up for myself and to speak out against toxicity in the workplace, and, I have to tell you, it was the most freeing experience of my life. This moment of clarity is what is driving me to embolden others.
To take you back to the beginning, what is your dream, and what action are you taking to make it a reality? Will you be the next great artist? Will you open that business you have been wanting to open? Will you transform lives, or will you be gripped by dream paralysis?
Mary is incredibly passionate about helping people find their voice in a world where many are bullied, belittled and abused. She considers herself a change agent that inspires confidence while embracing success. She drives people to learn their worth, break through their mental barriers, reconstruct their perspectives and realize that their negative experiences do not define them.
As a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker, Mary offers workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching to aid your personal and professional growth through study and practical application of John’s proven leadership methods. Working together with Mary will move you and/or your team or organization in the desired direction to reach your goals.